Another man Quote by Henry David Thoreau
“It is not a man's duty, as a matter of course, to devote himself to the eradication of any, even the most enormous wrong; he may still properly have other concerns to engage him; but it is his duty, at least, to wash his hands of it, and, if he gives it no thought longer, not to give it practically his support. If I devote myself to other pursuits and contemplations, I must first see, at least, that I do not pursue them sitting upon another man's shoulders.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Walden, Henry David Thoreau, 1854
One should not be compelled to fight every injustice; instead, focus on personal responsibilities while refusing to support wrongdoing.
In simple terms: Focus on your own duties, avoid supporting evil.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize personal integrity over forced activism.
Themes
responsibility
integrity
activism
personal duty
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
ethical
motivational
When to use this quote
- career choices
- political involvement
- volunteering
- daily decision making
Key Concepts
ethical autonomy
moral responsibility
social disengagement
Questions to Reflect On
- What injustices can you oppose without compromising your core responsibilities?
- How do you balance personal goals with societal expectations?
A Different Perspective
Refusing to act may be seen as complacency or neglect of societal duty.
![“Next came the Patent laws. These began in England in 1624; and, in this country, with the adoption of our constitution. Before then [these?], any man might instantly use what another had invented; so that the inventor had no special advantage from his own invention. The patent system changed this…” quote by Abraham Lincoln](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/449/abraham-lincoln-88_adoption_next-came-the-patent-laws-these-began-in_1828.jpg)
